Q: How many police officers were shot and killed while on duty in 2013 or 2014?
—Al Cooper, Atlanta
A: There were 26 law enforcement officers killed by firearms in felonious incidents in the line of duty in 2013, according to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division. Of these, 18 were killed by handguns (six each by 9 mm and .45-caliber pistols), five by rifles and three by shotguns.
The FBI hasn’t compiled statistics for 2014, but the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund reported that 50 officers died from firearms last year, an increase from its count of 32 in 2013. “When comparing the FBI numbers to ours, there will always be a difference, as we include all types of law enforcement officers, like corrections officers,” Steve Groeninger, the senior director of communications and marketing for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund told Q&A on the News in an email. “Their data does not include corrections officers.” The 2014 statistics are based on preliminary data.
Q: When is Allison Chinchar’s baby due? She always seems so happy and I love to watch her.
—Jean Stone, Doraville
A: Chinchar's baby boy is due Jan. 27, she told Q&A on the News in an email, with the 11 Alive meteorologist jokingly adding, "but who knows if he will actually decide if he wants that for his birthday or not."
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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